Quick Guide

Spring, fall and winter are all excellent times to visit Charlotte, depending on what you’re looking for. Spring (March through May) is particularly beautiful — the weather is warm but pleasant, flowers are blooming, and parks and patios are abuzz with activity. Fall sees fewer visitors and spectacular foliage if you go in mid-to-late October. Hotel rates and airfare tend to be the cheapest from December through February.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available.

Travel Health

Refer to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for up-to-date information and guidance. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown — rent a car, take a taxi, use a rideshare app, take public transit (the CATS Sprinter Service) or book a private shuttle to get to your destination. Alternately, three Amtrak routes serve the city, and daily Greyhound service to and from Charlotte is available with connections in Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and other cities.

Getting Around

The best way to get around Charlotte is by car — either rental car, taxi or rideshare, all of which are readily available. Public transit includes the CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) light rail and bus service. There are also bike-sharing options throughout the city.

Local Lingo

English is the primary language spoken in Charlotte. Note that Charlotte’s Uptown is what is usually called downtown in other cities.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Lyft; CATS

Insider Tip

Check out what many consider to be the best venue for live music in Charlotte: The Visulite Theater. Diverse acts include country, indie rock and jazz, and pretty much everything in between.

Spring, fall and winter are all excellent times to visit Charlotte, depending on what you’re looking for. Spring (March through May) is particularly beautiful — the weather is warm but pleasant, flowers are blooming, and parks and patios are abuzz with activity. Fall sees fewer visitors and spectacular foliage if you go in mid-to-late October. Hotel rates and airfare tend to be the cheapest from December through February.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available.

Travel Health

Refer to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for up-to-date information and guidance. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown — rent a car, take a taxi, use a rideshare app, take public transit (the CATS Sprinter Service) or book a private shuttle to get to your destination. Alternately, three Amtrak routes serve the city, and daily Greyhound service to and from Charlotte is available with connections in Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and other cities.

Getting Around

The best way to get around Charlotte is by car — either rental car, taxi or rideshare, all of which are readily available. Public transit includes the CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) light rail and bus service. There are also bike-sharing options throughout the city.

Local Lingo

English is the primary language spoken in Charlotte. Note that Charlotte’s Uptown is what is usually called downtown in other cities.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Lyft; CATS

Insider Tip

Check out what many consider to be the best venue for live music in Charlotte: The Visulite Theater. Diverse acts include country, indie rock and jazz, and pretty much everything in between.